Saint felt her stiffen beside him. She sent him an agonized look, her tongue frozen in her mouth.
‘Jules comes from one of the Hawaiian Islands, Tony,’ he said easily. ‘I knew her when she was a skinny little girl. I must admit, age has brought some astounding changes.’
‘Hawaiian Islands,’ Tony repeated, his interest aroused. ‘However did you get together again?’
Chauncey said brightly, ‘Haven’t we some champagne, Del? Agatha, won’t you try one of Lin’s delicious rolls? Dan, some more peas?’
I can’t sit here like a puppet, Jules thought, and let everyone protect me. ‘I came to San Francisco and we met again, Mr. Dawson,’ she said in a clear voice.
‘I see,’Tony said. ‘Call me Tony. Everybody does, you know.’
‘My father is a minister in Lahaina, Maui,’
she continued, seeing that he was as confused as ever, but too polite to probe. ‘Michael was a doctor there.’
‘Michael?’ Tony said, clearly startled, and thankfully turned his attention to that new tidbit.
Saint sighed. ‘That’s right, Tony. But please, I feel more comfortable with ‘Saint.’ ‘It fits so well.’ Del said.
Dan Brewer, Del’s partner, who had been told of Jules’s experiences, said quite gently, ‘You’re a fortunate lady, Mrs. Morris. We hope you will be happy here. The weather, I’m certain, isn’t as Edenish as Maui, but nonetheless, I think you’ll find it pleasant most of the time.’
‘Edenish?’ Tony repeated, a brow arched. ‘I’m the writer at the table, Dan. Please confine yourself to simple words and lending out money.’
There was general laughter, and Jules relaxed. So did Saint. He would speak to Tony later. In fact, he thought, he’d been a fool not to realize that something like this was likely to happen. He caught Tony’s eye and gave him a simple nod.
Saint found himself looking again and again at his wife’s lovely throat and shoulders. He said suddenly to Jules, ‘You need a necklace – emeralds, I think. Del,’ he
1)9-%()
continued, ‘tell me where I can find some jewelry for my wife.’
‘Oh no,’Jules said, aghast at the thought of the cost. ‘I don’t want … that is, I don’t need – ‘
‘Certainly,’ said Del Saxton. ‘Emeralds, with perhaps some sapphires, would look lovely on you, Jules, particularly with that gown.’
‘I agree,’ Chauncey said. ‘Diamonds are too harsh, I think. Yes, emeralds and sapphires. Vibrant and warm.’
‘It’s settled, then,’ Saint said, reaching under the table to squeeze his wife’s hand. ‘I’ll come see you in the morning, Del.’
Agatha said to the table at large, ‘It’s nearly September. Do you think Brent and Byrony will be home soon?’
‘The Hammonds,’ Saint said to Jules. ‘Brent owns the Wild Star and he and his wife went to Mississippi to take care of the plantation he inherited.’
‘Brent is a handsome devil, and usually quite charming,’ Agatha said. ‘I have a feeling, though, that Byrony has him well in hand by this time.’
‘He was out of hand?’ Jules asked. ‘I thought you said he was quite charming.’ ‘Let’s just say, love,’ Saint said, ‘that Brent
Hammond was like a fish wriggling on the
line, and Byrony … well, she’s got spirit, that girl.’
‘And grit,’ added Horace.
The talk continued for a while about the Hammonds, and Jules chewed thoughtfully on her baked chicken. She was very aware of her husband, the way he used his hands when he spoke, his long, blunt fingers, the deep, full laugh. She remembered Wilkes talking of Michael and all the women he’d slept with. It wasn)t true, she knew it wasn’t.
You should tell him about meeting Wilkes. She shook her head at her own thought, and felt miserable.
After dinner, Chauncey brought Alexandra downstairs to be admired. Jules held the baby, such a beautiful child., and her eyes met Michael’s.
‘I love babies,’ she said softly.
Saint felt his guts twist. He watched her as she spoke soft, meaningless words to the baby, watched her eyes light up with pleasure when Alex grabbed her finger and held it tightly. And he laughed when Jules blinked and said, ‘I think I’m wet, Chauncey.’
‘Oh dear, indeed you are. Come with me and we’ll make sure your gown isn’t ruined. Del, do take Alex up to Mary for repairs.’